And, on a more serious note, Randy Bruckner started this ball rolling with the following note:
Randy Bruckner: I tried a bottle and snapped up two cases. Discounters have it for as low as $12 a bottle -- it ought to be a crime:
2006 Saint Clair, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, $15. This stunner grabs you from the very start with its intense gooseberry and passionfruit aromas. Crisp in the mouth, the flavors are every bit as intense – passionfruit, limes and grapefruit flavors abound. New Zealand has raised the bar on Sauvignon Blanc with this one. Buy by the case; 93/94.
Randy was absolutely right; I was able to find six bottles, and we have gone through three, all with great enjoyment. I really can't add much to Randy's note, except that there was limited EGA.
And, here are a few notes from last May:
NEW ZEALAND
Brancott Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2006. Patrick Materman, winemaker.
http://www.brancottvineyards.com/ 13% alcohol. Light straw yellow, green highlights, clear hue, intense aromas of gooseberry and lemongrass with sweet fruit notes, intense fruit tastes with melon overtones with excellent acidity. Wonderfully refreshing. 5*. $8 to $9.
Cloudy Bay Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand 2006. Kevin Judd and Eveline Fraser, winemakers.
http://www.cloudybay.co.nz/ My reference SB from New Zealand -- very rich with limes and grapefruit flavors, mineral notes, hints of tomato, delicious and refreshing, showing beautifully tonight. 5*. $22. [Chris Regina, Winecentric: "The 2004 and 2005 weren't up to what this legendary New Zealand winery has built its name on. The 2006? Welcome back!" -- Several people at the tasting mentioned the same thing; I haven't had Cloudy Bay for five years, but remembered it as being as good then, as it was tonight.] [Incidentally, Cloudy Bay was the only winery that ran out of wine, after two hours. Another pourer left early for personal reasons. But the big guys were pouring until ten minutes before closing.]
Craggy Range Winery Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough Te Muna Road Vineyard New Zealand 2006. Steve Smith winemaker.
http://www.craggyrange.com/ Delicous, better than the Cloudy Bay which itself was almost perfect. 5*. $17.
Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand 2006. Peter Munro winemaker.
http://www.matua.co.nz Light yellow color, light hue, very good fruit aroma with mineral notes, very good frut taste with tart acidity, lingering finish. Very pretty. 4*+. $8.
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Icon New Zealand 2006. Darryl Woolley winemaker.
http://www.nobilo.co.nz. Pale yellow color, clear hue, green tints, concentrated aroma of gooseberry and pineapple, complex powerful tastes of grapefruit, smooth mouth feel, refreshing acidity with a bit of sugar. Very pretty SB. 4*+. $15.
Allan Scott Wines and Estates Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand 2006.
http://www.allanscott.com. Josh Scott winemaker. Pale yellow color, clear hue, very good aromas of limes, melon and gooseberry, complex tastes of fruit, medium mouth feel, firm acidity, quite a long finish. 4*. $12.
Regards, Bob